Boarding and day

This important sense of continuity that our youngest boarders gain from progressing seamlessly through from prep to senior school and ultimately sixth form is key to their wellbeing and personal development. This is true for all boarders but particularly for those from forces backgrounds that might otherwise experience considerable change in their lives. Some children of forces parents may otherwise attend more than six different schools during these formative years. It also helps our international boarders, many of whom are a long way from home.

Headmaster Sam Hart explains:

“Creating a safe, secure and stable home from home environment all the way from Year 4 through to 8 provides our youngest boarders with continuity that really supports them through the time when they transition from the Prep School at Year 6 to the Senior School in Year 7. They are already familiar with their surroundings, routines, expectations and the key people in their lives, helping to make this adjustment naturally seamless and smooth. We work really hard to build a wonderful family-friendly feeling here at Giggleswick and we love to see our boarders and other pupils develop through their school years here, leaving us as well-equipped, resilient, assured and happy young people.”

Christine Gemmell, former housemistress of Catteral House adds:

“We focus here at Catteral House on building really good relationships with all the children and supporting them in every aspect of their lives as part of one big extended family. This creates a very solid foundation and helps them make and keep friends through sharing experiences together. It really gives them the very best start as they progress towards our senior boarding houses, sixth form and eventually life beyond Giggleswick.”